01-14-2011, 08:40 PM
42-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 3-month history of a recurrent vivid dream that several men are assaulting her and her children. Upon awakening, she is anxious and distressed by the frightening images. She realizes that it is just a dream but is afraid to go back to sleep. She does not know why she is having this particular dream because she has never been the victim of an assault. She drinks two to three cups of coffee each morning. She does not use illicit drugs. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. There is no evidence of depressed mood or hallucinations. Laboratory studies are within normal limits. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A ) Acute stress disorder
B ) Nightmare disorder
C ) Panic disorder
D ) Sleep apnea
E ) Sleep terror disorder
A ) Acute stress disorder
B ) Nightmare disorder
C ) Panic disorder
D ) Sleep apnea
E ) Sleep terror disorder